Category Archives: Life & Style

Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin™ Ectoin®-Infused Cream – Wow, Just Wow – by Award Winning Author Dr Kathleen Thompson

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As a woman of a certain age, I’m on a permanent quest for facial creams which work miracles. And as a doctor, I like reassurance that these products are powered with scientific justification and not empty promises. So I was super excited to road test Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin™ Ectoin®-Infused Cream.

Dr Jart+ has a great pedigree, originally founded in Korea but now part of the Estée Lauder group, they pioneered the invention of BB cream and, working with dermatologist advisors, their focus is on ‘creating skin care that works wonders’ – this sounds exactly what I need.

And Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin™ Ectoin®-Infused Cream is good because?

Firstly, it’s a highly-concentrated, fast-absorbing cream which contains not just one, but five different ceramides. Our bodies produce ceramides naturally, which form a barrier to protect our skin cells and keep moisture in. They’re incredibly good at hydrating skin, but, alas, even in our 30s we’ve already started to lose these natural ceramides. So thank goodness for Dr Jart+.

But, there’s more, Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin™ Ectoin®-Infused Cream also contains a new unsung hero of the anti-aging world – Ectoin. This little molecule was discovered in salt-lake dwelling bacteria of all places, where it prevents them from drying out despite the concentrated salt. And, great news, scientific studies have shown that it protects our skin in the same way – it’s an excellent moisturiser and provides a protective barrier, hence it’s a brilliant anti-aging product (tick).

So that’s the science, but what was it like to use? Well it comes with a handy sunshine-yellow spatula which is great for scooping out a suitably-sized dollop. The cream was quite firm, almost waxy but melted as I applied it to my face and disappeared super quick. Then, wow, within minutes my skin felt plump, soft and almost completely wrinkle-free. I couldn’t believe it. And several hours later – the same – I can’t stop sneaking a glance in the mirror and smiling.

If you want to smile at your reflection too, it’s £50 for a 50 ml jar from Dr Jart+ website – a great price for such an innovative cream. I love it.

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows


http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q
http://faitobooks.co.uk


Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.

My Sister’s Secret by Diane Saxon – the book launch by Natalie Peeke West Country Correspondent

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As some you may know I am a fan of Diane Saxon, not just as writer but also as a person, she’s a natural born storyteller. Naturally I jumped at the oppourtunity to attend a third virtual book launch that Diane hosted. This one was for her latest book called My Sister’s Secret and here is the blurb:

Four sisters, four secrets. Who has the deadliest of them all?   Something happened to me when was nine. My childhood memories before that fateful day are gone. Extinguished. The aftermath became a living nightmare with a guilt that runs so deep that I’m not sure I can ever tell anyone. I fear I’ve left it too late….

The burden of my secret and the hurt and the pain that silence cost each and every member of my family is too overwhelming.  But you can’t avoid fate and now I have the opportunity to right the wrongs inflicted on us. There was no justice. Not then. Not now. But I can change that.   The big question is, how far am I willing to go?

At the book launch Diane treated us to a reading and I have to say it was phenomenal, i didn’t want her to stop. She also shared with us  where she gets her inspiration: it could be from one of the many walks she goes on with her dogs, or from a conversation with a stranger. What I love most about Saxon’s writing is that it is effortlessly brilliant and as the reader you genuinely do not know what is going to happen at any given point in the book.

The virtual launch was not just limited to those in the UK, there were attendees from South Africa and America which was absolutely brilliant and shows how internationally adored Diane is.

We then proceeded to the games of the evening: prior to launch each attendee was sent a package which consisted of a personal signed copy of the book, some chocolates, a drink and a bookmark.

Those who had black Lindor Chocolates would have their name in her next book. Those who received a pink can of gin and tonic had the opportunity to name a object that she will include. I was one of the lucky three that had a pink can. The other two selected a Care Bear and a red Buddha. Me – being me – chose Derigible, I explained  why and  will share this reason with you: after a few glasses of wine one evening I turned to my partner and said ‘Derigible is such a fun word for a massive thing that floats around in the sky. Who looked up at that and said ‘I know exactly what to call that: a derigible?’. The look I received from him needed no words …

These games are not only a lovely way for Saxon’s readers to feel included in her books but it is fun to figure out when and where the names and objects will appear. However we did all ask Diane to not hurt the Care Bear. Whether or not she will is anyone’s guess.

I cannot reccomend her books highly enough. Even if you’re not a fan of the psycological thriller genre, do give Diane’s books a try, they will convert you.

My Sister’s Secret by Diane Saxon  is available in Paperback, eBook and audiobook.

A new wave in nutrition: Meet the company behind the rise of ‘Smart Foods’

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A new wave in nutrition: Meet the company behind the rise of ‘Smart Foods‘

In a country where 40% of people resort to junk foods when hungry, Smart Foods are set to revolutionize our relationship with nutrition

Noel Bollman, CEO of food-tech innovators, yfood, discuss the importance of Smart Foods as an alternative to junk foods 

‘Smart Foods‘ are the forward-facing answer to our national nutrient deficit. Their popularity has seen a stratospheric rise in both Europe and the UK. With the smart food market in Germany, the UK, France and the Netherlands alone is estimated to be worth around €10-20 billion in the medium- to long-term, with annual growth rates of up to 50 percent. Having tripled their revenue in 2020 and doubled the figures in 2021, yfood recently announced their run-rate of €100 million in just four and a half years of trading.

A future facing concept being ushered into the mainstream – Smart Foods are nutritionally complete ‘meal alternatives’ that supplement 26 key minerals and nutrients. Having all of the caloric and nutritional benefit of a full meal, but in the form of a shake, powder or protein bar. Instead of feasting over a soggy midday sandwich or snacking on crisps to keep satiated, ‘Smart Foods‘ provide a viable alternative for those of us who are on-the-go. If we are to stick to the age-old adage that food is fuel – why not choose foods that actually fuel us as opposed to sugar-laden snacks and sodium-saturated sandwiches.

European food tech innovator, yfood, has recently hit supermarket shelves – introducing its range of protein bars, powders and shakes to the British diet. Aiming to reform the country’s relationship to unhealthy eating, yfood has launched their Classic Choco and Smooth Vanilla with Co-Op, with the drinks retailed at £3.50. The meal alternatives offered by the smart food innovators comes complete with 26 key nutrients and is available in a variety of flavours and plant-based options, with one serving (500 ml) of yfood providing consumers with around 34 g of protein, 68% of your daily protein needs.

yfood, smart eating

Why ‘meal alternatives’? 

yfood‘s nationwide launch leverages the benefits of having a nutritionally complete, yet delicious, product that is not meant to replace all your meals – but compliment a healthy and varied diet. The concept of the ‘meal alternative’ slots in with our faced-paced lives – in between work, school and personal responsibilities it is unrealistic to have perfectly planned meals for every occasion. yfood‘s modern approach to nutritional nirvana aims to work around speedy lifestyles that lend themselves to poor eating habits. A survey conducted by yfood revealed that 40% of Brits only resort to junk food when on-the-go, indicating a huge gap in the market for a product that not only comes in delicious flavours like Classic Choco and Smooth Vanilla, but contains essential nutrients and vitamins to keep us going throughout the day.

Noel Bollmann, CEO and co-founder of yfood comments:

“Smart food is not intended to replace classic eating with fresh and high-quality foods – on the contrary: a varied and diverse diet is and remains essential. Nevertheless, the reality is that many people do not always manage to eat a balanced diet due to lack of time or availability problems. In these situations, Smart Food helps people to eat better in the long term. Thus, Smart Food is a completely new category of food that competes with junk food and bad eating habits, but not with conventional food.”

I tried Smart Food on a busy week working while also taking care of my toddler. They are filling, delicious and made me feel healthy. Highly recommended.

What a bunch of goodies from Joffe Books this week, but when isn’t it?

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On this beautiful weekend, with hoar frost transforming the landscape, and perhaps creating a slightly mysterious feel, Joffe’s book of the week seems fitting. This London-based crime thriller series by Michelle Kidd — SEVEN DAYS TO DIE is out now for the very special launch price of just £0.99 | $0.99, and very gripping it is too. 
Meet Detective Jack MacIntosh in this absolutely new crime thriller complete with a fabulous twist – gasp – you won’t see coming

                            

Dectective Michael Angel by Roger Silverwood Books 22-28 £0.99/$0.99

What about this for a great buy – a 7, yes SEVEN book box set to keep you out of mischief for ages and ages…

Detective MacIntosh is hunting a brutal killer on the streets of London. A killer who delights in playing twisted games. Who will win this battle of wits…?

Filled with quirky characters and heart-stopping suspense, Roger Silverwood’s enthralling mysteries are perfect for fans of R.D. Wingfield, Colin Dexter, Peter Robinson, Reginald Hill or Agatha Christie.

Detectives Paterson & Clocks by Steve Parker Box set Books 6-8 £0.99/$0.99 (fabulous jacket) 

Be still my beating heart: tension and laugh aloud humour. What’s not to like… and love… and adore…    Meet Paterson and Clocks — the detectives who never play by the rules. Love it, love it.

Falling in Love at Nightingale Farm by Emma Bennet  £0.99/$0.99

For the romantic at heart, try this: Polly, a Londoner through and through is asked to help John save his farm. The only problem is that John’s son doesn’t think she knows anything about farming. It’s a tricky start, but soon farm and Polly and… Nope, read it. Ahhh.

Now, let’s lift the curtain into Joffe Books back-room gang and hear from the newbie  – Jasmine Callaghan  who, amongst other things, writes the blurb for Joffe’s books. This, my friends, is a tricky job as I have found when my publishers once upon a time asked me to try my hand at blurbs for my own books. Disaster! So I was pretty smartly relieved of the task.

WHAT I DO

Joining at the very beginning of 2023, I’m the newest proud member of the Joffe Books team. In a nutshell, I project manage some of our incredible titles (both new and from our backlist) and have the exciting job of writing our blurbs and briefing our amazing catalogue of talented cover designers.

WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS YEAR

I can’t wait to publish lots of brilliant books! I’m privileged to be working alongside an incredibly talented bunch who I have lots to learn from. I’m also excited to make my own mark on Joffe Books, especially regarding diversity in the industry.

FAVOURITE BOOKS

I love the Gothic, so naturally I’m a huge fan of Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. Fun fact: German soldiers used the book as a code to send secret messages during WW2. I also regularly find myself re-reading His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman, The Stranger by Albert Camus and The Decagon House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji. I’ll stop now because I could go on forever.

You can find out more on offer with Joffe Books here 

 

Wainwright Memories: a heartwarming gem from Wainwright aficionado Chris Butterfield, one which details three little known stories about the much missed fellwalker who opened the eyes of so many to the joys of walking in the Lake District

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 Wainwright Memories is required reading but more than that, it must be kept safe. For it is a book worth stroking, reading, and basically treating  like a precious treasure. Could that be anything to do with the author,  Chris Butterfield, who is an ardent admirer, not to mention collector of all things Wainwright? Well, of course.

Butterfield has turned his passion for Wainwright’s life and work into 220 pages printed on high-quality photographic paper, containing invaluable insights from Wainwright’s former publisher, Andrew Nichol and recreations of beloved Wainwright photographs. It is  beautifully presented, and quite frankly, is the No 1 gift for a walker, or Wainwright fan.

‘Never let it be said that you can’t turn your life’s passion into your work,” says Butterfield. ‘I can’t think of anything more worthwhile than introducing more people to Wainwright and to the Lake District itself. There’s no more beautiful place on earth to walk and lose a day… or two.”

Hmmm, actually the Yorkshire Dales are pretty good too, just saying, and Hadrian’s Wall has views that satisfy. Perhaps an idea for Butterfield to pursue? But enough of my ramblings…

So, what is within the covers?

Wainwright Memories chronicles three little-known stories involving Alfred Wainwright that took place over three consecutive years, 1988-90. The stories are based on reminiscences by Wainwright’s former publisher Andrew Nichol and include illustrative maps by Pictorial Guide reviser Chris Jesty.

Chris Butterfield, an inveterate walker, grabs us by the hand, and revisits several locations featured in each story. In this way past and present photographs and stories take us into another world, one we are reluctant to leave.

The Scotland Trip: Alfred Wainwright loved Scotland and visited regularly. A close friendship developed with his publishing manager, Andrew Nichol, and Wainwright decided to invite him on his next holiday – and the wives came too.  So all four walked amongst  the  stunning beauty of Scotland. It is a trip that Butterfield revisits, and therefore so do we.

Story Two is The Unfinished Book: Wainwright started work on a new book to complement his best-selling guidebook A Coast to Coast Walk. It was intended for those who prefer to meander and sightsee rather than tackle the hills, but would it ever come to fruition? It starts at St Bees on the Cumbrian Coast and ends at Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Yorkshire Coast that crosses three of England’s finest National Parks. I found it fascinating accompanying Wainwright and Andrew, and then Chris and Priscilla Butterfield.

The Langdale Shoot: way back Andrew wanted some new photographs taken of Wainwright to be preserved as part of his legacy. Their good friend Ken Shepherd would be the photographer for one of Wainwright’s final photo shoots in the Lake District. This project produced some stunning photographs, as does Butterfield as he revisits some locations. These include-

But… hang on.  Enough.  You need to read the book yourselves, but carefully. It is beautifully presented, and holds within its pages the essence of Alfred Wainwright, this quiet, reserved walker who opened the eyes of so many to the glories of our wonderful country. Just as Chris Butterfield does, just as evocatively as his hero.

Butterfield explains: “This book was a true labour of love, and it’s been fantastic to see the impact it’s already had on those who’ve read it. Whether it’s their first introduction to Wainwright, or whether they see him as a lifelong guide to the fells, Wainwright Memories has something for all to explore and discover.”

Frost Magazine couldn’t agree more. It truly is a must read, and keep safe book. And should be bought as a gift for all those friends who love to walk.

Wainwright Memories is available now:  https://chrisbutterfield.com/books and

https://www.alfredwainwright.co.uk/               @ £24.99

 

 

Body by James Davies: The Book Your Body Needs

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There are no words for how much I love this book. I think it should be on every single book shelf. I injured myself ten years ago and I have already learned a lot on how to heal and fix my body. The information in this book is gold. It covers every part of the body and tells you how to heal it. James Davies covers what’s normal and what’s not when it comes to pain. I refuse to be without this comprehensive book, which is the equivalent of having your own personal osteopath. Buy it now.

 

The ultimate guide to preventing pain and fuelling your body to its fullest health potential. He is world renowned and the osteopath to stars, including David Beckham and Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

Ultimate strategies to prevent pain and fuel your body to its fullest health potential.

Simple techniques and strategies to:

Heal

From stress and anxiety, to everyday wear and tear and injury, life takes its toll on our bodies. Now, internationally renowned osteopath James Davies can help you heal your body.

Reset

With tips and tricks to help recognise, manage, and treat everyday aches and pains, this book will reset your approach to understanding your body. James presents a revolutionary blueprint for holistic body wellbeing.

Restore

Improve your wellbeing with exercises expertly designed to optimise your body. Enhance your health and mobility by understanding common conditions from arthritis and muscle strains, to IBS and stress, and empower yourself with the knowledge you need to achieve full-body health.

Body is available here.

DIANE HARDING ON HER HARROWING MEMOIR, ALWAYS IN THE DARK

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My memoir ‘Always in the Dark’ tells of secrets, scandal and survival.  It is an extraordinary account of my bizarre homelife and is my search for answers from a family shrouded in secrets.  A mysterious tale of growing up, unbeknown to me, with my mother trapped in a menage a trois on a continent from which there was no escape, it tells of her selflessness, sacrifice and of putting others first.

After my parents emigrated post war, my idyllic and cosy childhood was ruined at the age of three after the arrival of a mysterious and glamorous visitor with my roller coaster existence and mother’s mental breakdown adding to my confusion during my formative years.

Although the first half of the mystery unfolded in the leafy suburbs of Cape Town, after moving to England at the age of fourteen the scandal continued to follow us around.  It was obvious my home life was a weird one and it was only after my mother’s death decades later that I rummaged through her secret box and discovered a wealth of staggering information I did not know about, the unimaginable circumstances cleverly hidden from me during my early years.  But I was a young child when it all began and the fact that I had lived my life to the point of naivety was beyond baffling.  But it was my mother’s life-long confidante, her sister Linda, who supplied me with many missing pieces of the puzzle and whose revelations helped clarify many of my childhood mysteries including the reason why I was to be an only child.

Making my heinous discovery was difficult to grasp and the realisation that I had lived through the trauma as the child of the victim equally upsetting; rage, bitterness, anger and a disbelief that my childhood had been dismantled by greed and my mother treated with such humiliation consuming me.  And because of the hurt and embarrassment my shocking revelation was not something I felt willing to talk about, least of all with my husband, a secret I kept from him for two long years.

The search for the truth sent me on numerous missions to talk with close friends and family only to discover that I was the last to know, hence the title ‘Always in the Dark’.

For too long domestic abuse has been a hidden issue and in order to raise aware of the horrors of coercive control I am now on a mission to encourage people to open up and tell their story which for me has been life changing.  It is a known fact that it is particularly hard for older people to open up and will experience abuse for twice as long before seeking help compared to those who are younger.  Writing my memoir has not been an easy ride but out of it has come great solace which has allowed me to come to terms with my past and move on.  I did not want to be someone with a massive grudge, determined never to allow my past to spoil my future.

This is a book about final freedom, my openness which I hope will help others to come forward and speak out and to understand that however traumatic a situation there is hope and a way through to happiness.  I am a firm believer that to experience the tough times gives us backbone in order to cope with what life throws our way.

 

 

 

 

 

9 Winter Skincare Tips from the Experts

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As we welcome the comfort of knitted jumpers in preparation for winter, the change in weather can wreak havoc on our skin, causing it to become dry, chapped, and tight. We’ve called on some skincare experts for their best tips on how to bring comfort and hydration to our skin during these colder months…
1) Autumn is the BEST season to introduce or re-start your actives
Chemical engineer, skincare formulator, and consultant Cigdem Kemal Yilmaz says, “Autumn is a good time to restart on acids and retinoids if you have avoided them during summer. If you have normal to dry skin, you can start on your retinol serum and alternate that with either a glycolic or lactic acid serum (so one-night retinol, one-night acid, one-night rest). On top of that go for a rich, buttery moisturiser with peptides, urea, and ceramides, with a shea or mango butter base. For combination and oily skin, you can introduce any retinoid serum product and alternate with a mandelic acid serum. On top of your serums go for a lighter moisturiser with plenty of humectants such as urea, panthenol, glycerin, and light emollient oils and esters. Avoid shea butter, mango butter, etc. in your moisturiser if you have oily skin. Ingredients like dimethicone and poly-silicone 11 are good in autumn and winter for dry and even oily skin as they protect the skin against dehydration by creating a breathable barrier over the skin.”
Product recommendation – BeautyPro RETINOL 1% Overnight Serum, £8.95 The Fragrance Shop
2) You still need SPF
Chartered Scientist, and founder of SOS Serum Skincare range, Bruce Green says, “Don’t think that because its cold and there is little sun that you can dispense with your sun block. Wearing SPF all year round will reduce and can prevent cumulative sun exposure damage which can result in fine lines, wrinkles, discolouration and even skin cancer. I recommend products with SPF 20/30 during the winter months.”
Product recommendation – SOS H20 Day Cream with SPF 30, £16 sosserum.co.uk
3) Keep skin barrier healthy
Skincare Educator for SBC Skincare Lyndsey Flannery says, “Your skin will become drier and often more sensitive with the onset of colder weather and central heating. As well as hydrating your skin with drinking lots, gentle cleansing is a must as you need your skin barrier to be as healthy as possible so that it can retain vital moisture. As a rule of thumb, if your skin feels tight after washing it is likely that the cleanser you are using has disrupted your skin barrier. Skin should feel calm and hydrated after washing, so if you are reaching immediately for your moisturiser you may want to consider a gentler cleanser.”
Product recommendation – SBC Skincare Propolis & White Willow Gentle Milk Cleanser, from £6.50 sbcskincare.co.uk
4) Pay attention to sensitive skin
Skincare specialist, and founder of Bedew Skin, Rachael Robertson says, “Those with sensitive skin may experience heightened or more significant cold or wind sensation than those without. Although everybody’s reason for sensitivity is different, some research suggests that one factor may be that people literally have different degrees of sensitivity in the nerve fibres connecting our skin to our brains. Using a richer or more soothing moisturiser with ingredients like CBD, Vegetable Glycerin, Zinc Oxide, can help balance things out and calm skin that experiences irritability.”
Product recommendation – Bedew Moisturiser, £19.99 bedewskin.co.uk
5) Layer up at bedtime
UK Representative for COSRX Julia Marinkovich says, “My number one tip is to embrace using a more occlusive, rich product, especially for the evening routine, which can help maintain a healthy skin barrier. Overnight masks are a great option for all skin types overnight as a little goes a long way, with even oily skin benefiting from the overnight hydration and nourishment. Look for ingredients like Rice, Glycerin, Betaine, and natural oils including Sunflower Seed. The occlusive effect of such ingredients essentially shields the skin and gives it time to repair itself or maintain its natural barrier function.”
Product recommendation – COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Spa Overnight Mask, £23 Beauty Bay
6) Protect lips from ‘lick eczema’
Bruce Green explains, “The lips comprise of multiple thin layers of skin. They do not contain sebaceous glands and therefore cannot produce the oils necessary to self-moisture. In winter particularly, lips can become dry so hydration and moisturisation is the answer. Drink lots of water and avoid licking them. Licking sore lips will only exacerbate dryness and can cause what is referred to as ‘lick eczema’. On top of this many people don’t realise that lips need just as much protection as your face from UVA/UVB.  It is vital to use a lip formulation with a sun block – SPF 15 being the minimum. Your lips do not have the ability to produce as much melanin as the rest of your skin – they need protecting especially on the snowy slopes with high sun reflection.”
Product recommendation – SOS Lip, £16 sosserum.co.uk
7) Prevent dry chapped hands
Lyndsey Flannery says, “Hands are very high risk for becoming chapped and sore in winter, the main culprit? Lack of moisture. During winter, the humidity in the outside air plunges. Inside, things are even drier, thanks to indoor heating. If you’re washing your hands frequently to avoid catching a cold or the flu, you could sap whatever natural oils are left in your skin. Opt for a hand cream that has intensively nourishing ingredients that also help with skin irritation, such as Propolis, Safflower Seed Oil, Shea Butter and Vitamin E. You can use creams throughout the day, but if you’re really struggling apply a rich layer of hand cream under cotton gloves at night. After a few nights, the skin barrier will start to heal.”
Product recommendation – SBC Skincare Propolis & Safflower Intensive Hand and Foot, £10.50 sbcskincare.co.uk
8) Skin conditioning facial mists
Cigdem Kemal Yilmaz says, “Facial mists or essences typically play a role in providing hydration to the skin before applying serums and moisturisers. I believe in making each step of your skincare routine count to be as effective as it can be. So, find a facial mist/essence with serum properties, which will allow you to elevate the results of your serum. Mists with emollients such as ceramides, dimethicone, plant or seed oils such as squalane or jojoba oil, and caprylic/capric triglyceride, prevent dryness and protect the skin by acting as a barrier and healing agent, as well as soothing and softening the skin by filling the space between skin flakes with a droplet of oil.”
Product recommendation – The Jojoba Company Jojoba Water Toning Mist, £13.95 thejojobacompany.co.uk
9) Exfoliation is key
Rachael Robertson says, “While you may think exfoliation should be avoided if your skin is feeling a little dry, the opposite is true. Gentle exfoliation shifts sluggish skin cells to reveal fresh skin and promote a healthy glow. Exfoliating is even more key in winter when our skin is getting all flaky, plus it will also help to prevent breakouts.”
Product recommendation – Bedew Skin Instant Enzyme Peel, £19.99 bedewskin.co.uk